Low Voltage Cable (LV Cable) Complete Buying Guide
Over the years, there has been a high demand for reliable low voltage power cables (LV cables). This is because these cables have a wide range of applications. You will find them in domestic, commercial and public premises.
Are you planning to buy LV cable in China? It will be wise if you take your time to go through this comprehensive guide. It is going to equip you with all the vital knowledge that you need to know about LV cable
Table of Content
SSG Cable Group-Low Voltage Cable Manufacturer
Chapter 1: Introduction to Low Voltage Cable
A low voltage cable which is popularly known as LV cable is a special type of cable that is mainly used for transferring a relatively low amount of voltage.
These cables are made of stranded aluminum or copper conductors although some feature solid and tinned conductors.
Steel wires and aluminum tape is usually applied on the outer sheath to give the conductor a significant level of mechanical protection.
Thermoplastic materials are usually used as insulators for the Low Voltage Cable. Some of these materials include XLPE, PVC, and even HFFR.
Chapter 2: Uses of Low Voltage Cable
Low Voltage Cables are used in electrical equipment and appliances whose voltage rating is between 50 to 1000V. These cables are made of aluminum though some are made of tinned copper.
Some of the most common applications of LV cable include:
-Telephone: Most businesses and even residential areas still have wired telephones. These equipment use Low Voltage Cables to complete their connections for efficient communication
-Ethernet and Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi and Ethernet setups use Low Voltage Cables for ensuring the networks perform to the optimum level.
-Security and surveillance systems: Low Voltage Cables are used in wiring and mapping security systems for surveillance. They connect different components of the surveillance systems such as cameras to the main operating system.
| For lighting: Lighting systems for domestic and commercial applications tend to use low voltage cables. These cables are even an ideal solution for outdoor lighting setups such as floodlights. |
| -For sound systems: Sound systems that are designed for public audiences tend to enjoy the power of low voltage cables. |
| -For renewable energy: Most renewable energy sources such as solar deploy the effectiveness of low voltage cables. These Low Voltage Cables are ideal for transmitting and distributing energy from these sources. |
| -Instrumentation: Low Voltage Cables are used for controlling different instruments in major installations. These cables are commonly found in the automotive, water vessels and even air vessels. |
Chapter 3: Installation of Low Voltage Cable
If you are planning to buy LV cable, it is obvious that you are thinking of the most effective ways of doing the installation. It is important to choose the safest and most effective ways of installing these cables.
Here are the main methods for installing LV cable:
1. Underground installation of low voltage cables
In this method of installation, LV cable is directly laid on the ground then is covered with 100mm thick sand. The most preferred depth of the ground is 650mm. Concrete tile is then laid over continuously along the route of the cable so as to provide extra protection.
You can add cable markers at interval points along the path for identification. Try to minimize the bending of the cable during the installation phase.
Underground installation of LV gives you the opportunity to install more than one cable. This is the best option if more than one cable is designed to pass through the same path. In this type of installation, it is advisable to position them horizontally and leave a space of at least 150mm apart. Ensure that each group of cable is properly marked.
You should have enough markers for the underground LV installation. These markers should be at least 75 meters apart and should be visible above the ground. On the markers, indicate the route and the depth of the cables on these markers.
2. LV Cable buried underground but in PVC pipe
Although this method of installation is similar to the direct underground installation, the difference is here we are involving PVC pipes. Here the installation can be deeper than the direct underground installation. This is because of the extra protection that is provided by the pipe.
Here, the minimum depth of installation is 60cm below the ground. Encased concrete can then be used to cover the cable once you are done with the installation.
The diameter of the PVC pipes should allow all the cables to fit inside. It is usually recommended that the diameter should not be less than 150mm. Apart from the PVC, the pipes can also be made of clay which is encased with plastic or any other weather-proof material.
3. LV cable installation above the ground
You can easily install an LV cable above the ground. This is where you can access the cable easily or without putting many struggles. There are various methods of installing an LV cable above the ground. The most common ones include PVC pipes, on cable trays, and on ladder trays.
Alternatively, you can use cleats to support the cables above the ground. These cleats have a galvanized strap that conforms to the international standard. You only need to ensure that the cleats do not exert excess pressure to the extent of causing some damage.
When it comes to the over the ground LV installation, you can do both vertical and horizontal installation. This means that the cables can be installed on the floor or even on the walls.
Apart from the cleats and trays, you can use PVC pipes to protect the cables.
From these methods of cable installation, which one should you use? You can choose whichever method that you want to depend on your situation or work environment.
If you are not sure, you should seek advice from technicians regarding the best ways of installing LV cable.
Chapter 4: Technical Specifications for Low Voltage Cables
All the low voltage cables for sale in the market tend to have physical and chemical properties. These characteristics are derived from the technical specifications of the cables.
When buying a low voltage cable in China, one of the first things that you should look at is its technical specifications. They will help you choose the right cable.
Here are some of the key specifications for low voltage cables.
| -Operating temperature: Here you will know the maximum and the minimum temperature under which the cables should operate. |
| A cable can have a minimum temperature of -10C and a maximum temperature of +30C. |
| -Air humidity: The levels of humidity can affect the performance of a low voltage cable. |
| A responsible LV cable manufacturer should specify the humidity range of the cable. |
| -Standards: The cable should be manufactured according to the required international standards. One of these standards is the IEC. The manufacturer should specify all the standards on the cable. |
| -Conductor: The manufacturer should give technical details about the conductor that is used in the cable. |
| From this technical information, you will be able to know the performance of the cable. |
| -Insulating properties: There should be detailed technical specifications about the insulator that is used on the cable. |
| -Core colors: Normally, cables have different colors for phase identification. These colors are Red Yellow and Blue. The manufacturer should properly label these colors according to their respective phases. |
| -Metallic armor of the cable: If the LV cable has more than one core, there should be armor to provide some shield. |
| The manufacturer should properly indicate the properties of the metal armor that are being used including its standards. |
| -Filler and bedding: The manufacturer should specify the filler and bedding for the low voltage cable. These two components are usually assembled around a conductor. |
| -Weight of the cable: The manufacturer should clearly state the weight of the LV cable per kilometers. This technical data will help you choose the right method of low voltage cable installation. |
Once you are familiar with these technical data, choosing the right LV cable will be quite easy.
4.1. Factors to Consider When Buying a Low Voltage Cable
When buying a low voltage cable in China, there are quite a number of facts that you need to consider.
These factors include
1. Area of application
You should first consider what you are going to use the cable for. This is because different Low Voltage Cables are designed for different applications.
Some Low Voltage Cables are perfectly designed for lighting, others for audio functions and others are for instrumentation.
By knowing your specific area of application, you will be in a good position to choose a low voltage cable which will meet your requirements.
2. Carrying capacity
Also known as the Ampacity which stands for ‘ampere capacity’, this is the amount of current that the cable can comfortably convey.
Different cables have different ampacity and this boils down to their respective areas of applications.
If the application requires a certain amount of current, the cable should be able to meet this need.
Once you know the amount of current that you will need, you should narrow down your choice of cables based on their carrying capacities.
After all, you cannot run large amounts of electric through a cable that has a low capacity.
3. Type of insulation
You should always consider the type of insulation that is on the low voltage cable for sale.
This is important because different insulating materials for the Low Voltage Cables have different levels of performance when exposed to a different environment.
If you are planning to install the cable in a low-hazard area, you may consider going for cables that have thin insulating material.
If you are planning to install the cable in water or humid environment, you will consider the insulating material that can survive in such places
If you will install the cable in an area where it will be exposed to water, oil and other physical elements, you should buy cables that have thick and tough insulating material.
4. Length of the cable
Before buying an LV cable, you should check on its length. Usually, the project that you are working on will determine the length of the LV cable that you should buy.
It is always advisable to buy long LV cable. This is because they tend to offer minimal resistance as compared to the shorter cables.
It is also advisable to use one long cable instead of connecting or joining many shorter cables. Joining many short cables will increase the resistance of the whole cable.
5. The number of strands
Checking the strand count is another key factor that you should consider when buying a low voltage cable in China. A strand count is simply the number of individual strands that are inside the cable.
Strand count is an important factor to consider because it affects the flexibility of the conductor. Cables that have have a high strand count tend to be more flexible than those with low strand count.
6. The flexibility of the low voltage cable
Regardless of your area of application, you will always yearn to buy flexible low voltage cable.
You are free to install a flexible low voltage cable anywhere without straining. Such cables can fit into the smallest spaces and challenging angles.
The main issue with insulation is it can affect the insulation and even the carrying capacity of the cable. You are also likely to pay a higher price tag for the flexible cable.
You may even have to trade off flexibility and ampacity of the LV cable. Highly flexible Low Voltage Cables tend to have a low current-carrying capacity.
7. The cost of LV cable
You need to find out the economic sense of LV cable for sale. Get all the information that you need about the price of low voltage cable in China.
There are various factors that determine the price of the low voltage cable. Usually, you pay for what you get. This means that high-quality Low Voltage Cables tend to be pricier than the average cables.
Check the specifications of the cables to see whether you are getting the real value of your money. Even if you are planning to buy affordable LV cable in China.
The best way of getting pricing information is by talking directly to the LV cable manufacturer in China.
Chapter 5: Advantages of Low Voltage Cable
Low voltage cables are quite popular in their respective areas of application. It is obvious that there are reasons for the popularity of these cables. Here are some of the benefits that come with buying, installing and using low voltage cables.
-Highly reliable
You can fully depend on low voltage cables in terms of performance. These cables are designed to transmit electric failure without any major failure or mishap.
A quality conductor and strong insulator are just some of the things that make Low Voltage Cables to deliver the best results.
The reliability of these cables allows them to be used on different types of applications.
-Low Voltage Cables can be installed in technical places
The small size of Low Voltage Cables allows them to be installed in very technical spots, where it will be hard to install other cables.
Since these cables are flexible, they can easily maneuver through corners and you can install them at very tight angles.
These cables are a perfect solution in areas spaces that are crowded with other components and types of machinery. This explains why Low Voltage Cables are used in complex electrical instruments.
-Easy and safe to install
The small size and weight of the LV cable make it easy to install in their respective areas of application.
The fact that these cables are properly labeled minimizes the chances of making any mistakes during the installation.
-Low Voltage Cables are cost-effective
Low Voltage Cables offer a cost-effective solution for transmitting electrical energy. The price of low voltage cables is relatively lower than that of other cables.
These cables are also cheap to install and maintain. This is mainly because of their simplicity.
You don’t need complex tools and equipment to install LV cable or identify a fault on it.
-Versatility
Low Voltage Cables come in a wide range of specifications. You can easily find the specification of the LV cable that you want.
The versatility of the Low Voltage Cables allows them to be used on a wide range of applications.
Whether you are installing in a major or minor project, the cables will serve its purpose perfectly.
Chapter 6: Frequently Asked Questions about Low Voltage Cable
Q: What is a low voltage cable?
A: A low voltage cable is a type of cable that is used for relaying electricity on equipment whose voltage rating is between 50 and 1000V. Such a cable cannot be subjected to high electrical stress. Nowadays, low voltage cables normally are XLPE Cable, ie. XLPE insulated cables and functioned as Low Voltage Power Cable and signal cables.
Q: What is low voltage cabling used for?
A: Low Voltage Cables have a wide range of applications. They are used for lights and to relay electrical current to other devices such as marine cable or shipboard cable in the sea and offshore platform environment, mining cable in the tunnel condition, high voltage underground cable, Building Cable for electricity transmission net etc. The cables are also used in communication industries.
Q: What method of cable joint is used on low voltage cable?
A: If you are installing the cable in an indoor setup, you can use straight joints. This is an ideal option for underground and submerged cable installation. You can use resin-based cable joints to provide mechanical protection.
Q: Is low voltage cable dangerous?
A: Low Voltage Cables relay low levels of electric current. The current that passes through these cables is not too much to cause any danger to human beings. However, you should still be extra careful when handling an LV cable.
Q: Can Low Voltage Cables start a fire?
A: As much as low voltage cables are known to be safe, they can actually start a fire. This is usually the case if these cables get overheated. These cables can also get damaged if they come into contact with high voltage cables.
Q: Where can I buy the best cable?
A: The surest place to find LV cable is from a reputable manufacturer or supplier in China. Put your efforts in finding such a manufacturer and all the issues regarding the purchase of the cable will be solved.
Conclusion
I hope that the information in this guide has given you vital tips on everything that you should know about low voltage cables. With this information, you will be in a position to choose the right LV cable that will serve you well.
On top of it, all is choosing the best LV cable manufacturer in China. From a good manufacturer, you will get nothing short of quality low voltage cables
SSG Cable Group- Low Voltage Cable Manufacturer
At SSG Cable Group, we specialize in designing and manufacturing low voltage cables for sale. We have been doing the business for years and our experience in this industry is unrivaled.
As an established company, we have access to all the required resources that are needed for making quality cables. This includes an able team of experts who perform their duties diligently.
In case you want to experience what we sell, simply contact us for a quotation. We will strive to meet your request.
You might be interested in these XLPE insulated cables:
Submarine Power Cable
Undersea Fiber Optic Cable
Medium Voltage VFD Cable
Medium Voltage Power Cable
SSG is committed to provide high quality, cost-effective low voltage cables to the electricity transmission grid in different areas over decades.